How To Find Clients as a Freelance Writer
10 practical ways to start earning and become a full-time writer!
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After all the preparations, you now come to the most crucial part of becoming a freelance full-time writer: getting your first regular client.
Where do you find the clients who would hire you with the kind of work you have envisioned and prepared for? In this article, you will find 10 practical ways to start earning from being a freelance writer.
(Please verify for yourself and always make it a habit to check for any red flags when looking for a job.)
Here are just some of the most common places where you can get freelance writing jobs:
1. Upwork
I was able to get a client through Upwork. Based on personal experience, I can say that this is still one of the legitimate means to get freelance writing jobs. You should still be careful, however. Try to find clients that already have a good record with Upwork. Find those clients that are “Payment verified”. You can usually see this indicator with a blue checkmark when you search for job listings.
What’s good with Upwork is that you have a mediator in terms of payment. One example is when you and your client agreed for milestone payments. This means that for every milestone in your project, a client would pay you for a certain percentage of the whole project. With Upwork Fixed-Price Protection, there is an escrow where clients already deposit the agreed payment for the milestone even before you finish that part of the work.
This ensures that there is already a fund to pay you when you submit the requirements for the task assigned. Upwork also has an Hourly Protection if you agreed to work per hour. Don’t forget to see the terms for this so that your work would be qualified.
One disadvantage of Upwork, however, are the fees. Yes, there will be a cut to your total earnings from your client. If you are new, your earnings may be reduced by as much as 20%. You should see their updated schedule to know how much will be deducted from your total earnings. Over time, and as you earn more, your fees may decrease to as low as 5% as per latest table on Upwork.
What’s good is that you can build a reputation on Upwork. Other potential clients can see your progress and previous experiences. You also have a profile there and a portfolio.
Tip: Some clients may not find you qualified if you are new and you have not met their minimum experience required on Upwork. Don’t fret because you can still submit proposals to them.
Also, there are still many clients who can hire you even if you’re a total newbie on Upwork. It depends on how you package your qualifications (keep in mind the importance of your profile and your portfolio).
2. LinkedIn
LinkedIn has various advantages. First, you have your profile there containing your skills, education and previous work experiences. You can also attach samples of your best works and use it as a portfolio.
The second advantage is that you can connect with people there. You can follow other freelancers and potential clients, and they can follow you back. By posting articles that are relevant to your niche, you increase your chances of someone hiring you.
The third advantages is that LinkedIn has its own Job Board. You can be notified through e-mail if there are jobs available that are related to the niche you’re searching for.
3. Facebook Groups
There are many Facebook groups for writers where you can be regularly updated of clients looking for freelance writers.
This is very easy to use since you only need to join a group through Facebook. And if you are a regular Facebook user, you can immediately see the most recent posts and updates from your groups.
One disadvantage of this is that you’re on your own when trying to get potential clients. You have to verify yourself how you will get paid. There is also no rating system to vouch for those who are hiring freelance writers like you.
Here are some Facebook Groups for Writers:
Paid Writing Opportunities Hosted by Freedom With Writing
4. Fiverr
This one actually worked for me. I had several clients for reviewing books.
Remember that you don’t have to lower your rates on Fiverr just because you see so many doing it. You can ask for the rate that you deserve as a writer.
If you would like to lower your rate at the beginning to gain more clients, make sure that you increase it gradually. As you gain more experience and positive ratings, you can set your target rate for your work.
When you find clients through Fiverr, you will learn that the website itself facilitates the payment. They also set a fee and this reduces the amount you will receive for your project.
You can start building your reputation and experience here and then shift to a more independent method of engaging with your clients.
5. Job Boards
There are various job boards you can look into to see companies looking for freelance writers.
Here are some Job Boards you can look into for freelance writing jobs:
6. Other Social Media Channels
If you have already found your niche, then you can also start cold pitching. You can search for company accounts that are related to your field of expertise and then send a formal pitch offering your work as a freelance writer.
Do a search on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Look for accounts that may need your services as a freelance writer.
7. Referrals/Word of Mouth
Sometimes, it is the client who comes to you. He or she may have seen your profile or a sample of some of your articles and may want to avail of your services.
You may also be referred by past clients who were satisfied with your work.
Even your co-writers can refer you, especially if many clients continue to approach them and they don’t have enough time to accept new ones.
8. Traffic from Your Blog or Other Articles
SEO works in powerful ways. If you can optimize your website or blog for search engines, then you may have incoming traffic that is able to view your works and your profile. In this way, clients can also come to you. Be sure to leave a contact page in your website so that people can easily ask for your services.
Even if you don’t have your own website, you can write on Medium and Substack and leave your contact details there.
9. Face-to-face Events
You don’t always have to network online. You can also do it offline or during “in person” conferences or gatherings.
You can meet up with fellow authors or even participate in seminars or other events where people can find you and hire you.
10. Online Magazines and Publications
Did you know that many websites have a “Submissions Page” where you can submit an article and get paid for it?
Use Google or “Who Pays Writers” to search for websites that accept articles from freelance writers. Search for those publications that are within your niche or field of expertise.
If your niche is in health and fitness, you can search for those publications in Google by entering “health and fitness submissions page”. For other topics, simply substitute the keyword of your choice and search for those online publications needing your work.
Finding Clients Is an Ongoing Process
Building your client base takes time. At the beginning, you have to introduce yourself and search in various sites to get your first clients.
If you can satisfy your first clients, you have taken the next step towards building your reputation and creating a portfolio that can attract more clients.
In due time, however, even some of your satisfied clients may need other services and you have to let them go. To avoid running out of work, you should continue to look for those who need your freelance writing services.
Make yourself visible and available. Continue to network with people. Make it a habit to promote yourself so that you can regularly find opportunities for your freelance work.
It may not always be easy, but if you can set up a good system and persevere in it, you can live independently, pursuing the kind of work that you can look forward to each day.
Would you like to get your first clients and start your career as a full-time freelance writer?
You can take a look at my book below:
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